ICMA is a partner in a new program to help communities with innovations in economic development. Earlier this year, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) was awarded a $30 million cooperative agreement to place skilled economic development professionals in distressed communities and regions through the Economic Recovery Corps fellowship program. Through this program at least 65 fellows will be placed in economic development organizations across the country. Fellows will serve two-and-a-half years at their host entity.

Host organizations will have until June 30, 2023, to submit their expression of interest and initiate the application process. There is no cost to an organization or community to host a fellow. To have your community considered, submit an expression of interest at the website.

Partnering with the National League of Cities and the National Association of Counties, ICMA will manage the public sector cohort of fellows and local government hosts. Approximately one-third of the fellows are expected to work directly with or for local government during their tenure as part of the effort.

IEDC leads a diverse team of national and regional partners that in addition to ICMA, NLC, and NACo includes the Center on Rural Innovation, the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation, and the Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network.

To learn more about the program, visit IEDC’s project website.